Did Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas "blacklist" CNN? Couple deny rumor as conservative pundit extends an olive branch post on-air debate with their son

Hollywood couple Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas are pushing back against claims that they have "blacklisted" CNN following their son Dylan Douglas's heated political exchange with conservative commentator Scott Jennings. The Hollywood couple are now openly denying any blacklist as a response to the viral segment.

The rumor started when gossip columnist Rob Shuter, who claimed on Substack that Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas were outraged after their 25-year-old son, Dylan, debated with Scott Jennings during a November appearance on CNN NewsNight With Abby Phillip.

Shuter claims Michael Douglas and Catherine were so furious that they vowed "never again" and would never interact with the network again. Dylan Shutter wrote on his blog:

“They are fuming at CNN. Like, I’m talking full-on, ‘never again, blacklist the whole network’ levels of furious.”

When he was on the Citizen McCain podcast after the rumor, Jennings was asked about this by Meghan McCain. To which he replied that he was shocked at the allegations and insisted that their interaction was "normal". At the same time, he joked that he would willingly apologize to Zeta-Jones “over a nice seafood dinner”:

"Well, I was surprised. I'm more than willing to apologize personally to Catherine Zeta-Jones over a nice seafood dinner if she wants to do it."

Adding to this, he revealed:

“Dylan was actually really nice off the air. He was very and I think he was honored to be there. We had what is relatively a normal exchange. He made his Democratic talking points. I dismantled him. This is not an uncommon thing to happen on CNN. I was as surprised as you are to see that his parents were upset about it.”

He continued:

“I think that what happens with some of these folks is that they exist in a very tight little bubble. They never really talk to Republicans or conservatives. They don’t really get outside of their bubble where people tell them how smart and good-looking they are. And then they wind up on television with someone of a different persuasion, and it’s surprising to them. I hope Dylan comes back. I’m sure he’ll get better at it.”

Scott Jennings claimed that Dylan seemed "OK with how everything went" as he didn't see Michael Douglas's son, Dylan complaining about it:

“I never saw Dylan complaining about it. To me, I think Dylan was probably OK with how everything went. But when your parents jump out there in the public domain and complain on your behalf, it makes you look pretty weak.”

Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas deny boycotting CNN

Both actors have denied that they are furious with the network. A spokesman for Catherine Zeta-Jones stated that the rumor was a rumor after all. The spokesman said:

"The rumor that Catherine and Michael are boycotting CNN is news to them. They support accurate reporting, which this rumor isn't."

He also stated that The Basic Instincts actor, Michael Douglas, has "no problem with going on or watching CNN"

What happened during the "normal" exchange?

Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones' son appeared on CNN NewsNight With Abby Phillip, along with Scott Jennings, where Douglas presented his views on the government shutdown. After it was aired, social media claimed that Douglas lost and Jennings "won."

When Jennings thought back on the incident during Citizen McCain, he described it as a normal on-air debate:

"We had what is relatively a normal kind of exchange. He made his Democratic talking points. I dismantled them. This is not an uncommon thing that happens on CNN. I was as surprised as you are to see that his parents were upset about it."

Speaking about Michael Douglas' son, he said:

“Actually, I have to say Dylan was really nice off the air. I think he was honored to be there. I hope Dylan comes back. I’m sure he’ll get better at it.”

He added:

"I kind of feel bad for him in that his parents are out complaining about it. I never saw Dylan complaining about it. But now in the gossip rags, his parents are out complaining about it. I don't know. To me, I think Dylan was probably okay with how everything went, but when your parents jump out there in the public domain and complain on your behalf, it makes you look pretty weak."

Jennings added his thoughts, saying that Douglas comes from a group that "exists in a very tight little bubble" rarely engaging with republicans or conservatives and often remain surrounded by people who affirm how "smart and good-looking" they are. As they are continuously validated, they are often caught off guard when "someone of a different persuasion" confronts them on television.

Dylan, who is Michael Douglas and Catherine's eldest child and the host of SiriusXM’s “Young American with Dylan Douglas”, provided his thoughts on Scott Jennings after the podcast to Entertainment Weekly:

"I was Surprised and slightly flattered, that Scott Jennings still cared so much about our conversation three weeks after it happened. "

He added:

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"I heard so many nasty things about the guy before going on the show, but in person found him to be very pleasant. The fact that almost a month later, he's attacking me on who my parents are, rather than the differences we have politically, is disappointing. I understand he just released a book, maybe this is part of his promotional effort? Regardless I wish him and his book well."

Tune into Soap Central for more information.

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